Put me off getting a boxer puppy!

[Applestreet]

We have been waiting a long time for what we think is the right time for our family to get a dog (I’m a SAHM, my husband can WFH, kids are young but settled and used to being around dogs, we have a nice garden). DH grew up with dogs but I’ve never had one.

We’ve done a lot of research and think we’ve settled on a Boxer but are very keen to hear personal experiences from boxer owners, and any dog owners who are in a similar position to us. We want to make sure we can offer a dog a happy home and so would love to hear any disadvantages or worries dog-owners have had (as well as good stories ofc!)

I love boxers. Such gorgeous looking dogs but I couldn’t handle one personally. Way too hyper for me.

They are absolutely gorgeous!! What an adorable trio 🥰

I absolutely love boxers, but there are so many easier breeds out there for first-time owners and most people don't have the time to put in this much effort into training. Whereas with easier breeds, less time and effort is required.

Bouncy and mad. We had them growing up, I remember valiantly trying to do recall training on ours when I was about 10. The same dog pulled my (heavy) father into a ditch and broke his finger when he spotted a cat one day on a walk. Knocked over a heavy motorcycle etc. Lovely but you have to be all in.

They are very cute but I feel compelled to mention my experience.
I appreciate it may welll be the owner not the dog but you need to think about taking on a big, strong, boisterous dog as you will be the owner that other owners may find difficult.

Locally there are a few boxers everyone avoids.
Recently a couple of on lead boxers attacked an one on lead schnauzer-knocked over the man walking the schnauzer and nearly killed the dog.

I would think very carefully about taking on such a full on big dog as a first dog.

They are indeed batshit crazy. Dribble and drool, near untrainable and bonkers mostly. They're a gorgeous breed. And their is no greater love. RIP my darling boy.

(perhaps not the best first dog ....)

Their spatial awareness is bloody awful, your children will be like skittles, if you let them upstairs (and try stopping them!) You'll always have to consider this before you set foot on the stairs ime.
Quite a lot are a bit neurotic and easily over-stimulated, so that's pot luck whether you get one like that or not.
I love dogs, have had various breeds, but would never have a boxer.

As a former veterinary receptionist, I consider them "Breed Most Likely To Wee On Your Feet Out Of Excitement"
Goofy, bouncy, lovely dogs. I never met a bad one, but I'm not sure I could live with one (& I have a cocker spaniel, so not adverse to lively dogs, just prefer my bounce a bit smaller!).

I had a Boxer and he was bonkers, loyal and very loving. He wasn't hard to train but maybe that was him rather than Boxers in general. He had good recall and did not go upstairs, no need for stair gates or anything. He did have slobbery jowls though .

Ours is almost 5 now. She's our 4th. The boys have been massive and the girls small. We took her to puppy school for over a year. She is so loyal and loving. She is fine off the lead in a big park. She gets on with all other dogs. We have a baby and I totally trust her near the baby. Would go for a boxer every time. The only downside is she hates being left alone. Not at all destructive but she just seems really stressed when we get home and she does a bit of howling while we're gone.

I love Boxers, DH really wanted one but I said no as it’s me left to do the training and I don’t have the patience for nutty hard work dogs

Lovely breed but I wouldn’t have one, I’m happy to admire other peoples and know I don’t have to deal with them 😂

… because I have read at least 3 posts on facey and 2 on here today from people tearing their hearts out because they can’t afford to keep their pets 🥺
please adopt - loads of puppies and dogs need lovely homes
….. oh and boxers are bonkers 🤪

Some reasons: their faces are deformed and can cause problems - this inbreeding will only stop if people stop buying them.
They are crazy and all over the place and will wreck your peaceful life.

Boxers are adorable

Dh older kids (my step kids) both have them

One is 7

Other is just 2

They are born well trained and amazingly gentle with my dd almost 6

They do need long walks but equally sleep lots as well

Absolutely bat shit, bonkers. They don't calm down until they are 12. Only dog to have a sense of humour. The more you laugh the more goofy they behave. I love the way they talk to you, and the very effective pleading soppy expressions they make to get your attention. Very intelligent dogs with adaptive intelligence so they tend to learn through observation and experiment not just through training.

I grew up with them. Had two from puppies. Both mad as a box of frogs but despite the energy, bouncing, slobbering and stubbornness both were gentle with small children. I'll have another one when I move and give up work.....soon I hope.

I LOVE them. I've never known one not to be fab with kids I can handle their energy, bounce, madness... the only thing I can't take ys the drooling/rotary spray 😔

No experience of boxers but we got a labradoodle 18months ago when our kids were 5&8. She's crazy, but the best decision we have ever made. Kids love her, she gets me to walk and she makes the house so much more homely.

however, it is a tie. Make sure you have reliable kennels, dog sitter or whatever lined up. She also costs quite a lot to keep. Biggish dogs eat a lot, cost more the insure etc.

Thank you so much for all of your advice! It’s so helpful to hear personal experiences!